PATIENTS are positive about the services provided by North Cheshire Hospitals NHS Trust, according to the findings of an independent health watchdog.

The survey was carried out by the Healthcare Commission to ensure improvements take shape over the next year, wherever necessary.

Kath Holbourn, director of nursing and service development, said: 'Patients' views are extremely important and give us a comprehensive picture of how our staff and services are making headway in achieving a high standard of care.

'Although we are delighted that most of our patients are pleased with the services provided to them, the survey also shows where we can make improvements and we are now taking further steps to ensure that our patients continue to get the healthcare they expect and deserve.'

Out of the 834 patients who took part in the adult survey, 63% responded to 45 questions, which covered everything from admission to and discharge from hospital, staff performance and levels of care and treatment.

And in the young persons' questionnaire, 49% of under-16s responded, with the vast majority giving the Trust one of the top marks in the country for the way in which doctors and surgeons explained their treatments and answered their questions.

Ranking high up in the list of achievements was the cleanliness of rooms, and the respect and dignity they were shown while in hospital.

Parents of young patients were also asked their views on care within the hospitals and rated the opportunity to stay overnight with their child as very high in their list of priorities.

And in the adult survey, confidence in the ability of both doctors and nurses scored highly.

Patients were also shown to be happy with the organisation involved in their admission to hospital.

The two surveys mentioned were published by the Healthcare Commission, but begun by the Commission for Health Improvement to assess services across England and Wales.

To see the full results of how North Cheshire Hospitals NHS Trust performed in the survey, visit www.healthcarecommission.org.uk.